State funding applications could lead to downtown revitalization

NORWICH  The City of Norwich is in the midst of several state funding applications, each of which  if awarded  would play a different role in improving business and employment opportunities, the overall quality of residential life and the economic vitality of the downtown area.

At Tuesdays meeting of the Common Council, aldermen approved resolutions to apply for three New York State grants, including one that would assist a prospective developer in restoring the vacant buildings at 42 and 44-46 N. Broad.

The Consolidated Funding Application (CFA, or commonly referred to as Main Street funding) and Southern Tier Region Community Revitalization Program  the largest award the city is applying for  would be used in revitalizing the downtown area. In the past, similar awards have helped the city restore a run-down property at 24 East Main, and assisted merchants and building owners on North and South Broad streets with interior renovations and storefront restoration.